Da Vinci Surgical Robot News & Articles

Fred E. Taylor, 67, arrived at Harrison Medical Center in Silverdale, Wash., on Sept. 9, 2008, for what was supposed to be a routine surgical procedure: a prostatectomy. If the simplicity of the operation was not enough to ease any of Mr. Taylor’s concerns, he could always remember that his surgeon would be getting robotic assistance courtesy of theda Vinci Surgical System – a device that would make the operation safer, less painful and easier on the body than traditional surgery.

But on that day in early September, something went horribly wrong with Mr. Taylor’s surgery; it did not play out even remotely as planned.

With the number of injuries related to robotic surgery on the rise, officials at the federal level have already embarked on a course of action. Now, Massachusetts health officials are joining them by calling on the state to advocate for better training for doctors and deeper disclosure regarding potential risks.